So what?

a question.

So what
if he didn't leave bruises
that were visible
on the outside?

So what
if he didn't break bones
or etch jagged scars
in her tender skin?

He drew her close
and bound her
trapped her
and stuffed her
wholeness into
a safe he kept
stashed away,
let her out only
when he wanted
to play --
every scrap or
morsel he offered
she lapped up
like a pitiful pet,
affection, emotion,
she took whatever
crumbs she could get.

His love was
an insidious beast
determined to
pick her soul clean
        of feel.

So what if
he (mostly) didn't
hurt her body,
doesn't make it                    
         less real.

Reviews

[Madalyn Beck]

I am in awe of this poem. First of all, it was marvelously written. Second, the story here is heart breaking. Third, the story here is so true for some. You have done a brilliant job writing this. Emotional abuse is far worse that physical - in my opinion. It messes with your mind and soul.
Also, the last two verses were amazing. Definitely drove the whole piece home. xo (:

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks so much. I often am asked, "did he hit you?" as if that is the bar.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

people harmed as much if not more by emotional abuse...
well said here."lapped up like a pitiful pet"--

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for your words. I always appreciate your stopping by.

[NeiL ArandA]

This is a heart felt piece KLG ....This is some deep scar that someone has left behind.

[Lyn Anderson]

Indeed. And thank you for your review.

[Ghost of Jupiter]

Wow, this is an amazing write... raw and hard hitting. Very close to home... the inner wounds that no one sees, the emotion scars that never go away. Deep and powerful, i love this. Wonderful work!

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you so much for stopping by.

[Ghost of Jupiter]

of corse, your writing is exceptional, I shall be back for more soon!

[FlamingPhoenix]

This is amazing painful and beautiful! I LOVE it! The outside heals after all, but the inside wounds cut most deep and you captured that fact beautifully!

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for your kind words.

[FlamingPhoenix]

You are most welcome!

[Sami Khalil]

A truth spoken out loud and with inner clarity. So true. :)........

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you so much for your reading and reviewing.

[Sami Khalil]

Welcome...:)..................